Experience The Lamplighter Bed & Breakfast
Historic Character and a Relaxed Pace Near the Shores of Lake Michigan
We are proud to be a AAA 3-Diamond property and a top-rated TripAdvisor destination in Ludington. You’ll find our bed and breakfast right on Ludington Avenue, just a mile from the Lake Michigan shoreline and the beach. We’re an easy five-block walk from our favorite downtown spots—including local shops, restaurants, breweries, and evening entertainment—making it easy to park your car and explore Ludington on foot.
Retreat to one of our five uniquely appointed guest rooms, each featuring a private en suite bathroom and the timeless comfort of a queen or king-size bed framed in cherry, oak, or antique brass. From the soothing jetted tub of the Ansel Adams Room to the expansive, custom-tiled shower in our Monet Room, every space serves as a private sanctuary for rest and restoration.
While you’ll feel worlds away, you can stay connected with complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi and Smart TVs with Roku streaming. For your convenience, guest amenities are thoughtfully distributed across both levels of the inn: you’ll find 24/7 access to freshly brewed coffee and tea on one floor, while a guest refrigerator stocked with complimentary beverages and a microwave await on the other. To make your stay even sweeter, we invite you to enjoy our freshly baked treats, served each afternoon for all our guests to share
The History of the Lamplighter Bed & Breakfast
The Lamplighter Bed & Breakfast is an 1894 Queen Anne Victorian built by Dr. George W. Crosby. Born in 1861 in Allegan, Michigan, Dr. Crosby moved to Ludington in the Spring of 1885, shortly after graduating from the University of Michigan. In the Spring of 1886, he married Viola Gaudette. In 1899, the home was sold to Harriett J. Pelletier following the divorce of Dr. and Mrs. Crosby.
Charles E. Cartier, an important industrial figure in Ludington, who served as city mayor from 1908-9 and was elected State Senator in 1910, inherited the home from Harriett in 1904. In 1921, the house was acquired a fourth time after Cartier sold it to Dr. Frederick William Heysett, a local surgeon. After his death in 1939, the house changed hands several more times.
In 1966, Kenneth and Mabel Anderson purchased the property and during the next 24 years, the elegant old house was home to a variety of businesses including the Secretary of State, a dentist's office, a beauty parlor, and eventually a real estate office. As the home was slowly converted from residence to business, structural changes took place, including the removal of the beautiful large porch and balcony that surrounded the Ludington Avenue entrance. In 1990, Mabel restored the home to some of its original splendor and started its life as a Michigan bed & breakfast. The inn’s journey of restoration began in earnest with Heinz and Judy Bertram in 1993. For the fourteen years that followed, Bill and Jane Carpenter served as dedicated innkeepers, welcoming every guest with their signature grace and warmth. Today, we are honored to carry that legacy forward. As the current stewards of this beautiful historic home, we consider it a blessing to welcome every guest who crosses our threshold.
We invite you to join us for a stay and discover for yourself the enduring character and classic grace that makes a night at The Lamplighter Bed & Breakfast so uniquely special!
